Dental Implants – Western Slope Dental Center

Dental implants look like – and function like – real teeth. Once your dental implants are installed, the care routine you use to take care of your dental implants should be similar to the care routine you use to take care of your natural teeth.

Your dentist in Grand Junction, CO, can help you with this. At Western Slope Dental Center, we provide advice to patients to help them care for their dental implants. We want your dental implants to last a long time, so here is what we recommend.

Brush Your Dental Implants Twice Daily

Brush your dental implants when you brush your other teeth. Brush your dental implants using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.

Avoid any toothpaste that claims to whiten or brighten your teeth, as this is the type of toothpaste that could scratch your dental implants. Brush your teeth for two minutes each time. If you have the budget for an electric toothbrush, consider getting an electric toothbrush to make your teeth brushing more effective.

Floss Your Dental Implants

Floss around your dental implant every day. Talk to your dentist to have your dentist show you how to floss around your dental implant.

Do Not Whiten Your Teeth

Dental implants can’t be whitened. If you whiten your teeth when you have a dental implant, your other teeth may no longer match your dental implant. Avoid whitening your teeth once a dental implant is in place.

See the Dentist Every Six Months

Continue to see your dentist every six months for checkups after your dental implants in Grand Junction, CO, are installed. At Western Slope Dental Center, we’re happy to help you take care of your new dental implants. Call today with your questions.

Dental implants can restore your smile and improve your overall dental health. While these implants can lead to several benefits, do you know how they work?

Keep reading to learn more about a dental implant procedure, including what to expect.

Preparing for the Implant

If you think a dental implant is a smart decision, you’ll need to visit the dentist for an examination. They’ll look at your teeth and gums to determine if you’re a good candidate. On some occasions, patients need a bone graft to increase the bone mass in their jaw. If a bone graft is needed, this will occur before the implant is placed. Also, if the patient has a weakened immune system, they may need a course of antibiotics before each dental implant procedure.

Interested in a dental implant in Grand Junction, CO? If so, make an appointment at Western Slope Dental Center today!

Placing the Implant

Placing a dental implant may happen during one appointment or multiple office visits. During the procedure, the dentist will first numb the area. Then, the dentist uses a tool to open the gums, which exposes the jawbone. They will then drill a small hole into the jaw, providing a path for the implant. Once the dental implant is screwed into place, the dentist sutures the gum.

After a few weeks, the patient returns to the dentist to resume treatment. The dental professional will open up the gums once more and attach an abutment to the implant. By then, there should be some newly formed bone tissue around the implant. Once the gums heal after the second appointment, the dentist will attach a dental crown, dentures, or a bridge to the abutment. Keep in mind some dentists will combine these three procedures into one single-day appointment.

To learn more about dental implants, call Western Slope Dental Center to speak with a reliable dentist in Grand Junction, CO!

Sources

How Does Getting a Tooth Implant Work?

How Can I Maintain My New Dental Implants? And Other Frequently Asked Questions